Steve Forrest

Biography

Steve Forrest, born William Forrest Andrews on September 29, 1925, in Huntsville, Texas, was a striking figure in the action genre during the 1960s and 70s. As the youngest of thirteen children in a Baptist minister's household, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, where he achieved the rank of sergeant and distinguished himself at the Battle of the Bulge. After serving, he ventured to Hollywood, inspired by his brother, actor Dana Andrews, to pursue a career in acting. Forrest graduated from UCLA in 1950 with a B.A. in theatre arts and honed his craft at La Jolla Playhouse, where he caught the attention of Gregory Peck.

His breakthrough came in 1953 when he was awarded the Golden Globe for 'New Star of the Year' for his role in So Big, based on Edna Ferber's Pulitzer-winning novel. Throughout the mid-1950s, he became a sought-after television actor, appearing in classic series such as Gunsmoke and Dallas, while also making notable appearances in films like The Longest Day (1962) and Mommie Dearest (1981).

Forrest opted for more selective roles beginning in the 1960s, relocating to England to star in BBC's The Baron (1966) and later in the police drama S.W.A.T. (1975), where he portrayed Lieutenant Dan 'Hondo' Harrelson, his most memorable character. He also showcased his comedic side in the film Amazon Women on the Moon (1987). Off-screen, he was an avid golfer, football enthusiast, and a passionate amateur beekeeper. Steve Forrest passed away on May 18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of diverse performances and a lasting impact on both film and television.